Ancient lingerie shocks historians

July 17 2012 at 09:58am
By DALYA ALBERGE

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REUTERS

While it was known that medieval men wore undergarments like modern-day shorts, it was thought that their womenfolk simply wore a smock or chemise, and that knickers didn’t make an appearance until the late 18th century.

London – It is hardly racy by today’s standards but this skimpy lingerie has certainly shocked historians.

The lace and linen undergarments date back to hundreds of years before women’s underwear was thought to exist.

They had lain hidden in a vault beneath the floorboards of an Austrian castle since the 15th century.

Despite their state of decay, the knickers bear more than a passing resemblance to the string bikini briefs popular today, while the bra has the fitted cups and delicate straps of its modern-day counterparts.

While it was known that medieval men wore undergarments like modern-day shorts, it was thought that their womenfolk simply wore a smock or chemise, and that knickers didn’t make an appearance until the late 18th century.

Bras were thought to be an even more modern invention, not appearing until around 100 years ago. However, Hilary Davidson, fashion curator at the Museum of London, said the discovery “totally rewrites” fashion history, adding: “Nothing like this has ever come up before.”

She believes it is “entirely probable” that something similar was worn by Britain’s medieval women. She said: “These finds are a very exciting insight into the way people dressed in the Middle Ages.

“It’s rare that everyday garments of any kind survive from this period, let alone underwear.”

The undergarments were among almost 3,000 fragments of clothing and other detritus found in Lengberg Castle in East Tyrol during recent renovations.

It is thought that they were buried when the building was extended in 1480 and that the exceptionally dry conditions stopped the fragile garments from disintegrating over the centuries.

Beatrix Nutz, of Innsbruck University, who made the find, initially faced scepticism but radiocarbon-dating tests confirmed her suspicions. The haul included four bras and two pairs of pants. Two of the bras resemble modern counterparts but the others are described rather bluntly as “shirts with bags”, the August issue of the BBC History Magazine reports. – Daily Mail

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Flatter your figure: Advice for the curvy bride

17 JULY 2012

If you’re lucky enough to be blessed with curves, make sure you flaunt them on your wedding day with a figure-flattering wedding dress.

A classic curvy figure is once again in fashion so rather than keeping your shapely silhouette under wraps, accentuate and embrace it.

The key to showing off those curves is in choosing the right dress.

Turn to iconic, feminine and curvacious beauties such as Marilyn Monroe, and embrace your figure.

The search for your dream wedding dress needn’t be a struggle. Many bridal designers cater to ever-more-shapely British women’s figures by stocking a wide range of sizes. 

Or have your gown custom-made – that way the perfect fit is guaranteed.

You will be the centre of attention on your wedding day so feeling and looking your most confident is essential.

Here is HELLO! Online‘s advice on how to sparkle: 

• Take the time to find the perfect fit – there are no hard and fast rules as to what style will suit you so be open to a variety of styles and take a few trusted friends who will give good, honest advice.  

• Invest in well-fitting lingerie and consider wearing body-sculpting underwear to define your silhouette.

• Stay away from anything that will add bulk to your body, for example: ruffles, heavy beadwork and large bows.

• Pinpoint your best feature – whether it’s your long legs or smooth locks – and be sure to show it off with your head held high.

• Most importantly, you’ll be dancing, laughing and posing for photos all day so make sure you’re comfortable.  

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